What Should I Really Replace Or Have Done?

Hi guys,

I just bought an '02 Extreme ext cab 4.3L. I know GM says no tune ups until 100,000mi. Mine has 47,000 on it. I have a great service history but I just find it hard to believe that I done have to replace any tune up type things (spark plugs, wired, distrib rotor, cap etc..) What are your feelings on what I should do. The truck feels ok, maybe a very little underpowered for what I thought the v-6 should feel like. Also everything is stock.
What are your feelings about throttle bodys?

Matt

Change the radiator cap to a stant cap, the originals are no good. After three years I would flush the cooling system and replace the coolant as well. Some will tell you to get rid of the dexcool however with a new rad cap you shouldn't have a problem, just remember never to mix the green anti freeze with dexcool. Check your air filter, this could cause loss of power. Check e-bay for a discounted cold air intake. At almost 50k miles It would be a good idea to change the tranny fluid and filter, front and rear differential fluids and transfer case fluid. Switch to synthetic for the diff fluids, the transfer case uses autotrack trans case fluid, a gm product.

whats a stant cap?

whats a stant cap?

A brand

thanks guys!!

Deff changed that rad cap. the gaskets are no good on the stock ones. shouldnt be more than i think 10 bucks or so. Other than that
Your due for
PCV VALVE every 35,000
FUEL FILTER every 36,000
TRANNY FLUSH every 50,000
REAR DIFF every 15,000
If your coolant is sludged up or just doesnt look up to par, like they said flush that out too.

Do those and you should be in good shape as long as you got that new air filter in there. I would also suggest after market intake on ebay. Very inexpensive on ebay.

Your right about the plugs tho 100,000 does seem long. but they came with platnium. so there good til 100k.

From what I understand, only the 4cyl came with the platinum plugs. If it hasn't had it, do a full tune up. You won't regret it. Tranny and diff fluids could definitely wait if you don't want to do everything now.

my opinion when it comes to tune up type stuff is if you aint sure just do it. its not gonna hurt to change stuff like the plugs or filters or wires ,especially on used vehicles. id throw a set of plugs in it and air,fuel filters. check the coolant and giver her some new oil.

Lube all your balljoints and front end stuff. I would also make sure your door pins are good too. The doors will start sagging if they aren't lubed well.

4.3L COME WITH PLATNUIM PLUGS NOT JUST 4 CYL AND THE ARE GOOD FOR 100,OOO SO YOU ARE GOOD ON YOUR PLUGS AND EVERYONE ELSE COVERED WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD DO :smokin:

4.3L COME WITH PLATNUIM PLUGS NOT JUST 4 CYL AND THE ARE GOOD FOR 100,OOO SO YOU ARE GOOD ON YOUR PLUGS AND EVERYONE ELSE COVERED WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD DO :smokin:

No, they are not good to 100k.

Everyone replaces them at 60k and notice an immediate difference.

I would definitely replace the cap and rotor though, it will need changing.

sorry about that i meant they are recamended from manufact. for 100k

sorry about that i meant they are recamended from manufact. for 100k

Yea, they do state that but I wouldn't go that long at all.

Yea, they do state that but I wouldn't go that long at all.

Your right. My Sonoma had the platinums in it. Changed them to Bosch Platinum Plus 2's and noticed a big diff. Also changed cap and rotor at same time. The mileage was 45,000. Don't forget about wires, too. Accel makes performance sets for the 4.3L.

Your right. My Sonoma had the platinums in it. Changed them to Bosch Platinum Plus 2's and noticed a big diff. Also changed cap and rotor at same time. The mileage was 45,000. Don't forget about wires, too. Accel makes performance sets for the 4.3L.

Remove the Bosch plats, they are absolute garbage in a 4.3L.

Throw they are far as you can.

If you EVER get any rough idling or engine problems in the future, I can almost guarantee it will be because of them.

AC Delco PLATINUM ONLY